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so I had a heated discussion with a bosses about cyclists

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so I had a heated discussion with a bosses about cyclists

Old 08-28-14, 08:16 AM
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It may not be useful to OP at this point, but this thread reminds me of an incident when I first started this job, as a contractor. It was in the first day or two. By chance in the hallway passing by my supervisor, his boss, and the VP they reported to. The VP says "You're the cyclist, I almost ran over you this morning". I popped off with "No don't do that, I just got this gig." I was actually kind of serious about that. My bosses started laughing and telling the VP don't run down the contractor because he's one of the good ones. It could have gone so badly, but it turned out pretty hilarious ...
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Old 08-28-14, 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Cutter
Expressing moral approval or disapproval..... making decisions as to [or if] a fellow coworkers "thoughts" are morally right or wrong.... is called preaching (or sermonizing). Often.... people who don't have an active spiritual life replace that need in their life with a made-up religion often with political, popular, or trendy ideas and/or components. Then... seemingly without realizing what they are actually doing.... go out unto the world to spread the gospel of their [made-up] religion.

All humans have physical, intellectual, and spiritual sides. As important as exercise and proper diet is... it is only one side of what we need to maintain to remain healthy and happy. As humans... we also need to mature, grow, and continually learn to feed our intellectual side. We also can't neglect our spiritual side ether. Or else we end-up preaching whatever "made-up religion" we appoint ourselves the religious leader of (or worse).

Over the years (I am retired now) speaking with some fellow workers in he lunchroom or whatever meant entering into their own special church of.... pet neutering, tree saving, recycling, political movements.... and yes even bicycling. These people always seemed "challenged" by social interactions normally expected in the workplace. It was never considered a good thing. I would try to avoid being the "cycling-deacon" in the office.
Very well said,

Some people really need to learn that whats important to them probably isn't to many or most people they interact with. Those who believe they can force everyone to respect their beliefs or actions are setting themselves up for disappointment at best, and receiving the opposite at worst.
Unfortunately some thrive on the conflict they create, or being a victim.
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Old 08-28-14, 08:36 AM
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I don't discuss my bike riding at work, generally it is my co-workers or employer that bring it up, usually it is either positive comments on my riding to work everyday or about my safety and poor driving motorists.
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Old 08-28-14, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
And your next job will be . . . . ?
Yeah, I was going to say, good luck with the new job...
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Old 08-28-14, 08:58 AM
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Dude, nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile...

Education (or knowledge) is not big in these parts... Nor any part of the US, I've lived in or visited...
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Old 08-28-14, 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by yugyug
BS. Its that kind of thinking that allows companies to get away with unethical practices, because their workers are too afraid to stand up to their moral standards and communicate what they believe in to their bosses. My advice is the opposite: work for people you like, people you trust, people you share ideals with and you'll enjoy life. Don't take crap from someone just because they pay you for a job.
Why does anyone at work have to give a darn about what your so-called bicycling "moral standards" are, or and what you "believe in" about bicycling? Is there some reason why you can tout/communicate your "moral standards" to one and all at work, but the boss is forbidden to state her opinion on same?

I assume you are the boss or self employed, or have been working only a short time in your workers' paradise.
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Old 08-28-14, 10:30 AM
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You're a big person, riding a bicycle to work. Of course people are going to laugh at you. And, they are wondering why your license was revoked behind your back. So what. Who care? When that happens to me I agree with them or make a joke of it. Eventually thier boorishness will tire even them, and they will move on to what Fred did at the X-mas party last year.
Don't worry about other people
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Old 08-28-14, 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by DnvrFox
And your next job will be . . . . ?
I should know very soon. She is an attorney and my boss was basically begging her to become a partner- he was turning (and is now) 70 and he wants someone here in case he can't work suddenly. So out of the blue she approached him and said she'd take it. Here's the thing: she was 2 months pregnant and knew. 8 months later she goes on maternity for 3 months and then decides she can't work Fridays because "her nanny only works Monday to Thursday". Seriously. My boss is 70 and puts in 160 hours, comes in on the weekend. She barely pulls 100 hours. It's a messed up situation and my managing partner can't seem to say anything but it bothers him. I'm in a master's program and I was trying to bide my time because the work load here is manageable. I'm just glad she told me how she really feels- cyclists should risk their lives to not avoid a pothole that might kill them, so we don't spill her soy double late.

As far as biking in a straight line- I certainly agree, but if there are cars behind you, a little wiggle as you are starting to take the lane helps to wake them up. It's a controlled wiggle and I learned it here- otherwise as you take the lane you might have someone trying to beat you. That's how she described the incident- she used her hands to indicated it was less than 1 foot, just as he was approaching cars and was taking the lane.
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Old 08-28-14, 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Cutter
Jobs are about earning money. Cycling advocacy, religion, politics and a few other topics are best reserved for conversations with friends.... NOT coworkers.
Add to that, you're not going to change anyone's mind most likely. Just let them go on their merry way and, heaven forbid, you actually get into a situation that another driver caused, pursue whatever remedies you deem fit from those that are available to you.

This is why I think advocacy is one of those things that sounds great on paper, but in reality doesn't work because it's associated with "asking." If you're entitled to something by law (e.g. riding a bike on a public street), you don't ask to be able to continue to do it, you demand that the public infrastructure you're paying for is planned with reasonable accommodations to allow you to cycle.
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Old 08-28-14, 11:38 AM
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People that don't ride in traffic don't understand.

Tell them to park their car at the curb on the busiest street in town,get out of the drivers door and just stand there.

Last edited by Booger1; 08-28-14 at 11:44 AM.
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Old 08-28-14, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by westlafadeaway
Seriously. My boss is 70 and puts in 160 hours, comes in on the weekend. She barely pulls 100 hours. It's a messed up situation

[Skip]

but if there are cars behind you, a little wiggle as you are starting to take the lane helps to wake them up. It's a controlled wiggle and I learned it here-
70 years old and working 160 hours? In what period of time?

"Controlled wiggle" as a means of communicating with motorists? I can guess which poster of the past taught you this technique, Thankfully he is no longer communicating this wacky, cryptic bicycling communication technique on BF.
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Old 08-28-14, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike

"Controlled wiggle" as a means of communicating with motorists? I can guess which poster of the past taught you this technique, Thankfully he is no longer communicating this wacky, cryptic bicycling communication technique on BF.
Motorcycle safety courses teach what's called the SMIDSY* weave. Its not really weaving or wiggling, its simply not staying in a static position in your lane. The logic is human perceptions trigger on motion, and reduces the amount of time you may be in the blind spots of others.
Weaving or wiggling enough to cause confusion would be counter productive.

*Sorry Man I Didn't See You
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Old 08-28-14, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Booger1
People that don't ride in traffic don't understand.

Tell them to park their car at the curb on the busiest street in town,get out of the drivers door and just stand there.
DITTO!!!
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Old 08-28-14, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
70 years old and working 160 hours? In what period of time?
Per week - of course, that's billable hours....it has nothing to do with actual passage of measurable time.
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Old 08-28-14, 01:26 PM
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I am constantly adjusting my lane position. I do not see it as wiggling or weaving, I see it as that mentioned deviation from static position. The same reason to always pedal to present the idea you are moving ahead at speed and not coasting.

Otherwise if I am on the shoulder I will ride and avoid obstacles as needed. I am always watching behind me and planning ahead for lane changes or stops. If I do need to move into the lane I will likely move to at least the center to convey the message that I am there and you need to watch me.
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Old 08-28-14, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Altair 4
Per week - of course, that's billable hours....it has nothing to do with actual passage of measurable time.
So the boss rests like 1 hour each night? 160 hours over 7 days is 22.85 hours of work each day of the week! Even billable hours, isn't that ripping off clients?
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Old 08-28-14, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by joeyduck
I am constantly adjusting my lane position. I do not see it as wiggling or weaving, I see it as that mentioned deviation from static position. The same reason to always pedal to present the idea you are moving ahead at speed and not coasting.
Exactly!!
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Old 08-28-14, 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by badrad
So the boss rests like 1 hour each night? 160 hours over 7 days is 22.85 hours of work each day of the week! Even billable hours, isn't that ripping off clients?
Joke:

An attorney dies and finds himself in front of the pearly gates of heaven with St. Peter behind his desk, checking in the new arrivals. The attorney gets to the front of the line and gives his name to St. Peter. Ole Pete looks in his big book of souls, finds the lawyer's name, and looks at the attorney and then back at the book. Finally, St. Peter says, "There must be some mistake. You don't look a day over 40 but our records show you should be 80 years old." The attorney grins and says, "You must be looking at my billable hours!"
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Old 08-28-14, 04:00 PM
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Cars and bikes don't mix unless the speed limit is under 20mph. Simply too much conflict. Next time tell them that you agree but that until the city/county/state puts in appropriate cycleways you're all stuck riding in the road with cars.
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Old 08-28-14, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by joeyduck
The same reason to always pedal to present the idea you are moving ahead at speed and not coasting.
What is the matter with the idea of coasting?
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Old 08-28-14, 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by CrankyOne
Cars and bikes don't mix unless the speed limit is under 20mph. Simply too much conflict. Next time tell them that you agree but that until the city/county/state puts in appropriate cycleways you're all stuck riding in the road with cars.
Huh?
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Old 08-28-14, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
What is the matter with the idea of coasting?

I love the idea of coasting. But I feel if a driver sees a cyclist coasting they may misjudge their speed and acceleration or intentions. it is all about drawing attention to your motion and their ability to perceive your motion.

If you are pedaling, the motion it is not static drawing more attention to you. They are also more likely to realize you are moving forward and that you plan to continue doing it at a constant speed.

I have no evidence to support this; these ideas are pure conjecture.

I feel that if I am on a two lane street/road with no shoulder and I stop pedaling with a vehicle behind me that conveys the message I am slowing/yielding go ahead and pass. Where if I am pedaling that means I am moving and continue doing so.

Personal anecdotal evidence: I have more people try a pass when I am coasting than pedaling.
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Old 08-28-14, 07:45 PM
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I've been driving for 20 years - mostly in Asia and Australia and a few times in Europe and USA on vacation. I know it's a drop in the ocean compared to some of the more well-travelled here, but I can't recall a single problem with cyclists that I haven't seen with other morons who use the road.

My take on this is that sometimes people are just looking for someone, anyone, to hate, and it generally takes the form of other road users (including pedestrians). For my parents it is taxis who get the brunt of their hatred, due to their predilection for swerving across lanes to pick up a passenger and such, as well as people who cross somewhat busy side-roads while either staring at their mobiles or straight ahead.
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Old 08-28-14, 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
Why does anyone at work have to give a darn about what your so-called bicycling "moral standards" are, or and what you "believe in" about bicycling? Is there some reason why you can tout/communicate your "moral standards" to one and all at work, but the boss is forbidden to state her opinion on same?
There is no reason why a boss can't communicate their moral standards, and I never said they couldn't. My view is the opposite of how you just presented it - workplaces should be places for open and active discussion.
I assume you are the boss or self employed, or have been working only a short time in your workers' paradise.
I've had a good range of job experiences, and have removed myself from inappropriate jobs when necessary. People should not suffer at work - it should be and can be paradise - well, sort of!
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Old 08-28-14, 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by westlafadeaway
I should know very soon. She is an attorney and my boss was basically begging her to become a partner- he was turning (and is now) 70 and he wants someone here in case he can't work suddenly. So out of the blue she approached him and said she'd take it. Here's the thing: she was 2 months pregnant and knew. 8 months later she goes on maternity for 3 months and then decides she can't work Fridays because "her nanny only works Monday to Thursday".
Sounds like a reasonable situation to me. Women have had the short end of the stick for long time (since forever) in regard to the employment and social expectations placed upon them and they should do everything in their power to protect their interests when working and being a mother. I think its impressive she's working 4 days - imagine how it feels to her to leave her new born with another person 4 days out of 7.
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